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Last Thursday, EPA proposed denying Alabama’s unsafe coal-ash program for issuing permits, like the ones at Plant Gorgas, Plant Miller and Plant Greene County, because the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) has failed to meet federal safety standards.

On September 20, EPA will hold an in-person public hearing in Montgomery about the proposed denial. If the proposal becomes final, Alabama will continue to have the protections of the federal coal combustion residuals (CCR) Rule, and ADEM will have no authority to block those protections. 


Across the Southeast, states like Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina have required utilities to clean up coal ash contamination, with over 250 million tons of hazardous coal ash being excavated from unlined pits near waterways. These materials are either recycled or disposed of in modern, lined landfills away from rivers. Even Alabama Power’s sister company, Georgia Power, has recycled or properly disposed of over 65 million tons of ash. 


With enough public support, we can convince EPA to finalize this proposal and ensure that Alabamians get the same protections as other people in the Southeast. If EPA’s proposal is finalized, community groups and EPA will continue to have the authority to enforce the CCR Rule for coal ash impoundments along our water at places like Plant Gorgas, Plant Miller and Plant Greene County. Alabama Power will be accountable for its coal ash pollution. 


Please register to demand protections for clean water and healthy communities:

In-Person Public Hearing
September 20, 2023
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CDT)
Montgomery, Alabama


Sign Up for the In-Person Public Hearing on 9/20


Alternatively, you can register for the  virtual public hearing on September 27




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